Fuel tank or Fool tank
Moderators: Whiskerfish, ascot, Forum Moderators
- 77Gowing
- True Blue Steel Biker
- Posts: 2724
- Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2015 4:31 pm
- Location: San Angelo, Texas
Fuel tank or Fool tank
Ok here's my come to Jesus moment.
In reviewing things on this forum I have noticed I look at this site with new eyes. The project started with me dipping my big toe in very tentatively and timidly. My first shock was the cost to have my tank refurbed at a local rad shop @$300. They cut a square opening in the tank, media blasted and tore off the bronze screens.
As they said they do this all the time I "assumed" it would be alright. Of course back then I was concerned about cost hence my timidity. Funny, back then I was knocking out six figures but acted like I was poor. Now days I make way much less and am entertaining the idea of replacing the tank and to the devil what it costs.
So, the question i have to you wise and sage Oricle's of Wingdom is: Am I riding down the road to ruin with this tank? The bike runs great! But fir how long?
Please dont hold anything back I need edification.
.
In reviewing things on this forum I have noticed I look at this site with new eyes. The project started with me dipping my big toe in very tentatively and timidly. My first shock was the cost to have my tank refurbed at a local rad shop @$300. They cut a square opening in the tank, media blasted and tore off the bronze screens.
As they said they do this all the time I "assumed" it would be alright. Of course back then I was concerned about cost hence my timidity. Funny, back then I was knocking out six figures but acted like I was poor. Now days I make way much less and am entertaining the idea of replacing the tank and to the devil what it costs.
So, the question i have to you wise and sage Oricle's of Wingdom is: Am I riding down the road to ruin with this tank? The bike runs great! But fir how long?
Please dont hold anything back I need edification.
.
"Less is More" Anonymous
77Gowing
1977 GL1000 "O'le Blue." (sold )
2014 Yamaha 950 V Star (sold)
2017 Indian Scout Std w/ABS (sold)
2009 Honda VTX1300R "Me Brudder's" (sold)
1984 Honda Interstate "84' 2outa4." Gone
1982 Honda GL1100 "After thought." Gone
77Gowing
1977 GL1000 "O'le Blue." (sold )
2014 Yamaha 950 V Star (sold)
2017 Indian Scout Std w/ABS (sold)
2009 Honda VTX1300R "Me Brudder's" (sold)
1984 Honda Interstate "84' 2outa4." Gone
1982 Honda GL1100 "After thought." Gone
- Track T 2411
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 8511
- Joined: Thu May 29, 2008 9:37 pm
- My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/Track+T+2411/
- Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin
Re: Fuel tank or Fool tank
There are several ways to refurbish a tank, and IMhO, if the tank isn't leaking or showing any signs of additional deterioration, get out and ride. If they applied a sealer, even better!
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
- CYBORG
- Moderator
- Posts: 24552
- Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 12:52 pm
- Location: Muskegon mich
Re: Fuel tank or Fool tank
I never replace parts that aren't broke. If you are worrying about your fuel tank, everything else must be working good. Old machines, with a lot of moving parts, are always subject to thinks going wrong. It's part of the adventure. If its to much stress, buy a new bike, with a good warranty, and don't venture to far from home. It's O.K..... we still love you
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
- 77Gowing
- True Blue Steel Biker
- Posts: 2724
- Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2015 4:31 pm
- Location: San Angelo, Texas
Re: Fuel tank or Fool tank
lounge. I'm not stressed about it at all'
, just wondered if have made a mistake that will get me in the end
I'm relieved. The bike runs ultra smooth and has no problems pushing my 317 lb carcass around. Great acceleration and power.
Plus I'm thinking of adding to my stable. Im...smitten.
I love you too Cyborg!
, just wondered if have made a mistake that will get me in the end
I'm relieved. The bike runs ultra smooth and has no problems pushing my 317 lb carcass around. Great acceleration and power.
Plus I'm thinking of adding to my stable. Im...smitten.
I love you too Cyborg!
"Less is More" Anonymous
77Gowing
1977 GL1000 "O'le Blue." (sold )
2014 Yamaha 950 V Star (sold)
2017 Indian Scout Std w/ABS (sold)
2009 Honda VTX1300R "Me Brudder's" (sold)
1984 Honda Interstate "84' 2outa4." Gone
1982 Honda GL1100 "After thought." Gone
77Gowing
1977 GL1000 "O'le Blue." (sold )
2014 Yamaha 950 V Star (sold)
2017 Indian Scout Std w/ABS (sold)
2009 Honda VTX1300R "Me Brudder's" (sold)
1984 Honda Interstate "84' 2outa4." Gone
1982 Honda GL1100 "After thought." Gone
- pidjones
- SUPER BIKER!!!!
- Posts: 3238
- Joined: Wed May 22, 2013 4:06 pm
- Location: East TN
Re: Fuel tank or Fool tank
A good in-line fuel filter, maybe changed a couple times a year, real 100% gasoline, and fuel stabilizer during storage should keep that tank going a long, long time.
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
- dontwantapickle
- Silver Member
- Posts: 957
- Joined: Fri Oct 13, 2017 9:26 pm
- Location: Colorado
Re: Fuel tank or Fool tank
$300. Wow!
- 77Gowing
- True Blue Steel Biker
- Posts: 2724
- Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2015 4:31 pm
- Location: San Angelo, Texas
Re: Fuel tank or Fool tank
Yeah
I have a very good in line filter
And the bike does not layup hardly at all now that I'm in ranch country.
I have a very good in line filter
And the bike does not layup hardly at all now that I'm in ranch country.
"Less is More" Anonymous
77Gowing
1977 GL1000 "O'le Blue." (sold )
2014 Yamaha 950 V Star (sold)
2017 Indian Scout Std w/ABS (sold)
2009 Honda VTX1300R "Me Brudder's" (sold)
1984 Honda Interstate "84' 2outa4." Gone
1982 Honda GL1100 "After thought." Gone
77Gowing
1977 GL1000 "O'le Blue." (sold )
2014 Yamaha 950 V Star (sold)
2017 Indian Scout Std w/ABS (sold)
2009 Honda VTX1300R "Me Brudder's" (sold)
1984 Honda Interstate "84' 2outa4." Gone
1982 Honda GL1100 "After thought." Gone
- Sidecar Bob
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 7655
- Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
- Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Re: Fuel tank or Fool tank
If they epoxy lined the tank when they were done there is probably no advantage to replacing the tank.
FWIW, I always recommend draining the tank for storage. I have seen and read about too many tanks that were filled with the residue of fuel that dried up because someone stored a bike with fuel in the tank and for one reason or another never got back to it.
On the other hand, my 'Wing's original owner put it up for the winter and had his motorcycle career ended by a workplace injury. It sat for 10 years (6 of them outside) between when the stored it and when I started using it but he had drained the tank so it was nice & clean inside.
And then there's the issue of water. It can enter with the air that replaces the fuel you use on a damp day or when you fill up in the rain. It is heavier than gasoline so it will sit on the bottom. If you drain the tank for storage the water can evaporate but if you never drain the tank more water will accumulate every year and eventually it will find its way out through rust holes.
BTW: The only advantage to fuel with alcohol is that it can help prevent this by absorbing the water and carrying it through the carbs to the engine.
FWIW, I always recommend draining the tank for storage. I have seen and read about too many tanks that were filled with the residue of fuel that dried up because someone stored a bike with fuel in the tank and for one reason or another never got back to it.
On the other hand, my 'Wing's original owner put it up for the winter and had his motorcycle career ended by a workplace injury. It sat for 10 years (6 of them outside) between when the stored it and when I started using it but he had drained the tank so it was nice & clean inside.
And then there's the issue of water. It can enter with the air that replaces the fuel you use on a damp day or when you fill up in the rain. It is heavier than gasoline so it will sit on the bottom. If you drain the tank for storage the water can evaporate but if you never drain the tank more water will accumulate every year and eventually it will find its way out through rust holes.
BTW: The only advantage to fuel with alcohol is that it can help prevent this by absorbing the water and carrying it through the carbs to the engine.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
- dontwantapickle
- Silver Member
- Posts: 957
- Joined: Fri Oct 13, 2017 9:26 pm
- Location: Colorado
Re: Fuel tank or Fool tank
I have sufficiently cleaned motorcycle gas tanks by just stuffing a pressure washer inside and blasting away.
-
- Tin Member
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2018 4:13 pm
- Location: Algoma, WI
Re: Fuel tank or Fool tank
Once again, if an expoxy liner, like Caswell, was used, you have no problems.
1986 Suzuki Cavalcade 1400
1977 Triumph 750 Bonneville
1967 Triumph Mountain Cub
1978 Honda Goldwing
Previous
1969 Honda CL 450
1966 Honda CL 160
1977 Triumph 750 Bonneville
1967 Triumph Mountain Cub
1978 Honda Goldwing
Previous
1969 Honda CL 450
1966 Honda CL 160
-
- Similar Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post
-
- 9 Replies
- 369 Views
-
Last post by TheWheel
-
- 11 Replies
- 658 Views
-
Last post by Bloodhound
-
- 0 Replies
- 2919 Views
-
Last post by Whiskerfish